Automatic car wash system

ABSTRACT

An automatic car wash system is provided for processing multiple vehicles simultaneously. The system according to one embodiment includes an elongate path, a plurality of stations for processing the vehicle, at least two detectors for indicating the presence of the vehicles. The system provides instructions to the drivers of the vehicles so that the vehicles travel through the system under their own power, and thus conveyor systems can be avoided, yet throughput remains high. In one embodiment, the system includes a radio transmitter that is operable to direct specific information to each of the vehicles via radio signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automatic car wash systems, and moreparticularly to automatic car wash systems that are able to process morethan one vehicle at a time.

Automated car washes account for a significant portion of the car washindustry. Automated car washes can be typically grouped into two primarysystems that control throughput; namely, conveyor or “tunnel” systemsand rollover or “in-bay” systems. Conveyor systems can be broken downfurther into two types: attended and unattended. Attended conveyors canbe broken down further into three types: full-service, exterior-only andflex-serve.

One type of attended conveyor system is the full-service conveyor carwash, which includes one or more attendants who greet the patrons at theentrance to the car wash and directs them into a waiting room while theattendants drive the vehicles onto the conveyor of the car wash. One ormore other attendants are present at the exit end of the car wash anddrive the vehicles off the conveyor to a drying area, where the vehiclesare hand dried and prepared for the patrons.

The second attended type is the exterior-only conveyor. Exterior-only,like full-service, has one or more attendants at the entrance.Exterior-only differs from full-service in that the customer remains inthe car and is directed by the attendant as to how and when to engagethe conveyor system. There are also variations upon the full-service andexterior-only systems, such as flex-serve systems, that can sometimesblur the lines of division, but all are attendant dependant.

The third type of conveyor system is the unattended conveyor car wash,which utilizes visual and audible instructions to assist the driver inpositioning the vehicle on the conveyor. The driver stays in the vehicleduring the wash process, and must place the transmission of the vehiclein neutral so that the conveyor can move the vehicle through the carwash. Unattended conveyor car wash systems are disclosed by U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,432,974 and 5,901,398, both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

Attended conveyor car washes have several disadvantages. The mainproblem associated with the full-service, exterior-only or flex-serveconveyors are their dependence upon attendants to load vehicles onto theconveyor. Labor and the associated costs make attended conveyors moreexpensive operationally. In addition, most conveyor systems limit thehours of operation as the expense of attendants makes evening, night,and early morning operation unprofitable due to limited demand. Attendedconveyor systems often close or ask attendants to take the day off whenthere is questionable weather to minimize labor expenses. If the weatheris misinterpreted or changes from bad to good and demand becomespresent, these conveyor locations miss out on revenues and providingcustomer satisfaction.

Unattended conveyor car washes also have disadvantages. Thecustomer/driver must negotiate onto the conveyor via traditional drivingmethods of acceleration, steering, and braking, but then suddenlyabandon those tendencies by placing their vehicle in neutral andallowing the conveyor to move their vehicle while avoiding thetemptation to control the situation by steering, braking, or the like,thus resisting the realization that they have lost control. In anotherexample, if a driver ignores or does not understand the positioninginstructions, the driver may attempt to drive the car over the conveyor,which may possibly damage the vehicle or the car wash. Other cars beingwashed may also be affected, as the wash process must be stopped untilthe offending car can be removed.

Rollover or “in-bay” car washes are almost always unattended and utilizesimilar entry systems to the unattended conveyor car wash system.Typically, rollover car washes are much slower in throughput due to thefact that only one vehicle can be washed at a time. Some rollover carwashes include instructional lights, signage, and audible tones toassist the driver in positioning the car within the car wash. Severalpatents relate to this aspect of the car wash, such as U.S. Pat. No.3,596,241, which is incorporated herein by reference. The car washtypically includes a wheel detector that the vehicle must engage ordrive upon in order to activate the main wash process. Once the vehiclehas been washed, more instructional lights, signage, and perhaps audibletones direct the driver to exit the car wash. After the first vehiclehas exited the car wash, the next vehicle in line is directed into thecar wash for processing. Washing mechanisms and devices are described bya number of U.S. patents, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,255,695 and5,447,574, which are incorporated herein by reference. While mostconventional rollover car washes provide a gantry for a vehicle to driveunder that also houses the washing and drying equipment, there arealternative arrangements. One such alternative is described in publishedpatent application, U.S. 2002/0144366A1, which describes a car washingmachine that comprises two moving gantries that travel back and forthover a stationary vehicle to wash and dry the vehicle.

Unfortunately, rollover car washes also suffer from some of the samedisadvantages as conveyor car washes in that a driver who becomesconfused may inadvertently drive past the wheel stop or photo eyesensors in the rollover car wash, which delays the wash process and maydamage the vehicle and/or the car wash. There is a need to provide a carwash system that improves the throughput of the vehicles withoutsacrificing wash quality. There is also a need to improve thetransmission of information to a driver so the driver can position andmaneuver the vehicle through the car wash system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are met by the automatic car wash system of thepresent invention. The system is designed to process multiple vehiclessimultaneously while the vehicles travel through the system under theirown power. The system transmits information to the drivers of thevehicles in a number of ways, such as via radio signals that can bereceived by the vehicles' radios. In addition, the system detects thelocation of the vehicles using one or more detectors, such as photoeyes. Further, the system may include one or more proximity devices fordetermining the relative distance between the vehicles and transmittinginformation to the vehicles accordingly. As such, the system of thepresent invention achieves high throughput of vehicles utilizing thevehicles' own power and avoids the disadvantages of conveyor systems.

More particularly, an automatic car wash system according to oneembodiment of the present invention includes an elongate path extendingat least 20 feet, and a plurality of stations spaced along the elongatepath. At least one of the stations includes a spray assembly capable ofdirecting pressurized or high velocity fluid, such as a washing fluid orheated air. Other stations may also be included, such as a wheel washingstation, a rotating brush, a wax applicator, a drying station, and arinsing device. A control device is operatively connected to thestations. The control device may be in the form of a computer capable ofprocessing information relating to vehicles traveling along the elongatepath and outputting predetermined responses accordingly. The system alsoincludes at least two detectors that are spaced along the elongate paththat are designed to detect and indicate the presence of at least one ofthe vehicles to the control device. In one embodiment, at least one ofthe detectors is a conventional wheel detector that is known in the artand is designed to engage or detect a tire of a vehicle, such as bymagnetic, photo eye, ultrasonic, or mechanical sensors or means. Thesystem also includes at least one proximity device, which detects therelative distance between the vehicles.

Advantageously, the system also includes a transmitter, such as a radiotransmitter, that is operatively connected to the control device. Theradio transmitter is capable of transmitting information, such asdriving instructions designed to control the movement of a vehicle,advertisements, offers, incentives, entertainment, news, music, andcombinations thereof. Other types of transmitters may also be included,such as visual and audible communicators. In one embodiment, the controldevice is capable of assigning a unique radio frequency to each of thevehicles and directing specific information to each vehicle via theradio transmitter. As such, the driver of a particular vehicle canreceive instructions or other information while the vehicle is beingwashed. Alternatively, multiple radio transmitters may be provided thatare spaced along the elongate path that operate on a common frequencyand transmit information over a short distance, such as no more than 10feet, and the control device directs specific information to each radiotransmitter. As such, the radio of each vehicle may be set on the samefrequency, but individualized information can be directed to aparticular vehicle depending on the location of the vehicle along thepath of travel.

Methods of processing a plurality of vehicles through an automatic carwash are also provided by the present invention. In one embodiment, themethod includes directing a first vehicle to travel into the entrance ofthe car wash to a first station under the vehicle's own power. The firstvehicle is then directed to stop at the first station, such that awashing process or the like can be carried out. The first vehicle isthen directed to move under its own power to a second station, and asecond vehicle is directed into the entrance of the car wash under itsown power before the first vehicle has traveled past the exit of the carwash. As such, multiple vehicles are processed concurrently by theautomatic car wash, yet each car travels through the automatic car washunder its own power. In addition, information can be directed to each ofthe vehicles via radio transmissions or signals in order to help controlthe movement of the vehicles through the automatic car wash. Thevehicles may also be directed into the automatic car wash from amultiple channel entrance having at least two feed channels that combineinto a common entrance channel. As such, multiple lines of vehicles maybe formed, which enables the drivers in each line to enter informationinto automatic car wash entry system and therefore increase the rate atwhich vehicles can enter the car wash.

Advantageously, the systems and methods of the present invention allowfor two, three, four, or more vehicles to be processed concurrently,whereby all of the vehicles travel along the path of travel under theirown power and are directed to each station via visual or audiblesignals, such as by radio transmission, lights, or other audible orvisual sources. By monitoring the relative distance between the vehiclesand sending information to the vehicles in order to effect a desiredspacing therebetween, the throughput of the system can be controlled andefficiency maximized. In at least one embodiment, the systems andmethods of the present invention do not include any conveyor mechanismsfor moving the vehicles along the path of travel, but rather includedetectors and other devices for directing the vehicles through the carwash under their own power. As such, the expense, deficiencies, anddifficulties of conveyor type automatic car wash systems are eliminated,yet throughput and quality are not compromised and can even be improvedwhile being offered twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a car wash system according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an alternative arrangement of a carwash system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram describing a method of processing at least onevehicle through an automatic car wash according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram describing a method of processing at least onevehicle through an automatic car wash according to one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram describing a method of detecting at least twovehicles being processed through an automatic car wash according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a car wash system 10 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The system 10 includes a tunnel or enclosure 12having entrance 22, exit 24, and sidewalls 26, 28. The enclosure 12defines an elongate path of travel 20 for one or more vehicles 16 totravel upon. In one embodiment, the elongate path of travel 20 extendsat least 20 feet, although the actual length may be more or less asdesired. The elongate path of travel 20 preferably is at least as longas the length of the enclosure 12, although the elongate path may extendbeyond the entrance 22 and/or exit 24 thereof. Each vehicle has a frontend 16A, rear end 16B, sides 16C and 16D, and tires T. Each vehicle alsopreferably includes a conventional radio 17, which includes conventionalitems such as speakers and a tuner for receiving radio transmissions orsignals as is known in the art. According to one embodiment, thevehicles 16 travel along the path of travel 20 under their own power,i.e., no conveyor devices are employed to move or carry the vehiclesthrough the enclosure 12. However, in some embodiments it iscontemplated that conveyors and the like may be used to help move thevehicles 16 through at least a portion of the enclosure 12. The vehiclesapproach the entrance 22 of the enclosure 12 via feed channels 32 thatconverge into a common entrance channel 33. While only two feed channels32 are shown, it is possible to include more or fewer feed channels asdesired. Each feed channel 32 includes an entry processor 34 that isdesigned to query the customer/driver of the vehicle 16, as well asreceive responses from the customer and distribute information to thecustomer, as discussed more fully below. For simplicity, it is assumedthat the customer/patron/driver is the same person, although this is notrequired.

The system 10 includes one or more carwash stations, such as a first carwash station 40 and a second car wash station 50. The car wash stationsare located at least partially inside the enclosure 12 and includerespective station devices 42 and 52, which are shown generically butcan be one of many conventional car wash devices. The particular carwash device used is determined by the particular need of the system 10,but representative car wash devices include a wheel/tire washingstation, dryer, rotating brush, presoak station, prerinse station, waxapplicator, rinsing device, soap dispenser, sprayer assembly capable ofdirecting a pressurized and/or high velocity fluid, and combinations andassemblies thereof. It should be noted that the term fluid is defined asencompassing liquid or gases, and the sprayer assembly may include asprayer, fan, and/or other devices used to propel fluid. The positioningof the car wash devices 42 and 52 may also vary according to theparticular system, but are shown for simplicity adjacent the sidewalls26 and 28.

Each car wash station 40, 50 may also include a respective detector 44,54 that senses the presence of a vehicle 16. In one embodiment, thedetector is a wheel detector that is known in the art, such as the tripplate shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,695. The wheeldetectors 44, 54 provide feedback to the driver of the vehicle to helpposition the vehicle correctly with respect to a particular wash station40, 50. The detectors 44, 54 can also be designed to trigger othercomponents of the system 10 to provide further information to thedriver, as discussed more fully below. It should be noted that while awheel detector is shown schematically, other types of detectors may beused alternatively or in conjunction with the wheel detectors. Othertypes of detectors include ultrasonic, pressure contact switches,magnetic sensors, laser, and photo eye detectors. The wheel detectors44, 54 operate in a conventional manner, whereby the tire T of a vehicle16 engages a detector that triggers a corresponding car wash station 40,50. Detectors could be used to scan the vehicle to determine the sizeand shape. This information could be used to improve the wash providedby addressing hard to clean areas, avoiding areas that could be damaged,and assisting other timing and throughput calculations.

The system 10 also includes a control device 30. The control device 30is preferably a processor and storage device, such as a personalcomputer, industrial computer, and/or server. The control device 30 canbe located on site or in a remote location. The control device 30 isoperatively connected to the car wash stations 40 and 50, as well asrelated components. One such related component is a communicator orindicator 54 that provides audio and/or visual information to thedriver. Indicator 54 is a known component that is used in conventionalcar washes, although the indicator could be customized to conveyparticular information to the driver as desired. The control device 30is also operatively connected to the entry processors 34 so thatinformation can be conveyed to and from the driver and control devicevia the entry processor. For example, the entry processor may initiallyrequest a wash code, payment, or wash criteria/selection informationfrom the driver. When such information is received from the driver, theinformation may be transferred to the control device 30 in order to setup the wash stations 40, 50 and other components of the system 10 forprocessing the vehicle 16. Information may also be transmitted from thecontrol device 30 to the driver via the entry processor 34, ortransmitted simply from the entry processor. This information mayinclude, but is not limited to, safety instructions, driving directions,advertisements, offers, warnings, incentives, entertainment, news,music, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the system 10 also includes a main radio transmitter38 that is operatively connected to the control device 30 and isdesigned to transmit radio signals or transmissions over a relativelyshort distance, such as around 300 feet, although the transmissiondistance may be more or less as desired. The main radio transmitter 38is preferably a low power FM transmitter that is capable of transmittinginformation over one or more selectable radio frequencies. Theinformation is selected by the control device 30 and preferablyincludes, but is not limited to, driving directions and correctiveactions, warnings, safety information and instructions, advertisements,offers, incentives, entertainment, news, music, and combinationsthereof. In one embodiment, specific information can be directed to aparticular customer, whereby wash history and other information can beused to tailor the current wash to that particular customer, includingbut not limited to addressing the customer by name, reminding thecustomer of prior wash selections, and selecting special offers for thecustomer. Such customization could be offered under a membershipstructure or the like to further enhance customer satisfaction andrepeat visits. In order for the information to be received by the driverof a particular vehicle engaging the car wash system 10, the driverpreferably tunes the radio 17 of the vehicle 16 to a predeterminedfrequency, and the control device 30 transmits specific information tothe vehicle via the transmitter 38.

In one embodiment, the control device 30 assigns a specific radiofrequency for each vehicle 16 being processed through the car wash. Thespecific radio frequency is conveyed to the driver via the entryprocessor, either visual or audibly. Once the radio 17 inside thevehicle 16 is set to the specific radio frequency, the control device 30can monitor the progress of the vehicle 16 along the path of travel andtransmit specific information to the driver via one or more devices,including the transmitter 38. It should be noted that the “radio”discussed herein is described as being in the vehicle 16, which includesall types of radios including the conventional “car radio” as well aspersonal stereos, boom boxes, and other known radio receivers. Customerswithout a radio or with a sectional, retractable antenna could purchaseor otherwise obtain a small FM radio from the entry system via aspecialized dispenser (not shown). More specifically, sectional antennascan be damaged by friction and hybrid car washing equipment, so in orderto avoid such damage, customers would be asked to purchase an FM radio,select the desired setting, and then turn off their car radio andretract the sectional antenna either automatically or manually ifapplicable.

In an alternative embodiment, the control device 30 and main radiotransmitter 38 are arranged to transmit specific information overseveral station radio transmitters 64 that are spaced along the path oftravel 20. The radio transmitters 64 are designed or arranged totransmit specific information over a very short distance, such as nomore that about 10 feet. In this manner, the vehicles 16 can all tunetheir radios 17 to a common radio frequency, and the control device 30and main radio transmitter 38 send specific information to a particularstation radio transmitter 64 depending on the situation. The methods forsending radio transmissions from the main radio transmitter 38 to thestation radio transmitters 64 is well known in the art, and therefore isnot discussed in further detail. The radio transmissions can beaugmented by also conveying information to the driver via acommunications device, such as audio/visual indicator 56, as desired. Itis also possible to transmit radio messages, such as instructions,advertisements, and other information, to customers while they wait toenter the enclosure 12. As such, the customer can be informed regardingthe system features, such as wash selections, payment options, and thelike, thus reducing delay and increasing throughput.

In one embodiment, the system 10 also includes at least one proximitydevice 58 that determines the distance X between two adjacent vehicles16. The proximity device 58, while represented in the figuresschematically, can be one of many types of devices that are known in theart, such as ultra-sonic or photo eye detectors, and can include variousother parts and arrangements depending on the system. The proximitydevice 58 is operatively connected to the control device 30 and can beused alone or in conjunction with the detectors 44 and 54 to determinethe location of each vehicle 16 and the relative distance X between thevehicles within the enclosure 12, i.e., when the vehicles are beingprocessed by the car wash.

As shown in FIG. 1, two vehicles 16 are present in the feed channels 32,one vehicle is present at the entrance 22 of the enclosure 12 proximatethe first car wash station 40, and one car is proximate the second carwash station 50. As shown, the vehicles near the car wash stations 40and 50 have not yet engaged the corresponding detectors 44 and 54.According to one embodiment, as each vehicle engages the correspondingdetector, the car wash station is activated. Alternatively, a particularcar wash station may be activated as a vehicle moves along the path oftravel. For example, a foam applicator may be present adjacent the firstcar wash station and is activated as the vehicle exits the first carstation so that foam is applied to the vehicle as the vehicle passes,such as to the second car wash station. Advantageously, the system 10allows for more than one vehicle 16 to be processed simultaneously orconcurrently, and the drivers are instructed and required to drive thevehicles through the enclosure under the vehicle's own power from onecar wash station to the next.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative arrangement of the present system 10 wherebythe enclosure 12 houses four car wash stations 40, 50, 60, and 70, eachincluding a respective car wash device 42, 52, 62, and 72, which mayemploy or include any conventional car wash assembly, including but notlimited to a brush assembly, a spray assembly, and a dryer assembly. Asshown, each wash station has a corresponding detector 44 andaudio/visual indicator, although these may be optional depending on thesystem. FIG. 2 also shows a plurality of proximity devices 58 thatmeasure the distance X between two adjacent vehicles 16, and may alsomeasure a distance Y defined as the lateral distance between a vehicleand a fixed lateral point, such as the sidewall 26. As mentioned above,the proximity devices 58 are shown generically and may employ manycomponent parts and rely on other systems to read and determine thevalues X and Y. The proximity devices 58 are also preferably connectedto the control device 30 so that feedback, instructions, and otherinformation can be passed along to the driver. It should also be notedthat the proximity devices 58 may be used as alternatives to or inconjunction with the detectors 44, 54, 64, and 74 (if present) if theproximity devices are configured to locate the vehicles along the pathof travel 20, particularly with respect to the car wash stations 40, 50,60, and 70.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate various methods according to the present invention.FIG. 3 illustrates one method of processing a plurality of vehiclesthrough an automatic car wash. Step 1 includes receiving washinstructions from a customer or driver that may include selectionsrelating to the type of wash desired, such as touch-free or friction,and other instructions relating to the desired wash. Step 2 includesassigning a radio frequency to the first vehicle 16 and conveying theassigned frequency to the driver via the entry processor or otherindicator. Step 3 includes directing the first vehicle to the enclosure12 and to the first car wash station 40 via radio transmissions, visualcues, and/or audible cues. Other stations may precede the first car washstation 40, particularly a pre-wash station or wheel cleaner stationthat are common on most automatic car washes.

As shown in Step 4, if the first vehicle is positioned correctly, e.g.,the proximity device 58 and/or the detector 44 determine that thevehicle is generally aligned along the path of travel 20, and thedistance Y between the vehicle and the sidewall 26 is within anacceptable range or above a minimum value, then the first car washstation 40 is activated (Step 5). If the first vehicle 16 is notpositioned correctly, corrective action is provided in the form ofinstructions to the driver via radio transmission or indicatorspresented by the audio/visual indicator 56. For example, if the driverof the first vehicle 16 enters the enclosure 12 at an angle andsubsequently misses the detector 44 or is detected by the proximitydevice 58 to be outside the acceptable range, the control device 30sends an appropriate corrective action to the driver, such as “turn thewheel to the right” or “straighten your vehicle” or a similarinstruction. Once the first station 40 has completed its cycle (Step 6),the first vehicle 16 is directed to the second car wash station 50 (Step7).

Turning to FIG. 4, if a second vehicle 16 is ready to enter theenclosure 12 (Step 1), i.e., the customer/driver has input the desiredwash characteristics, made payment, and the like, then a radio frequencymay be assigned to the vehicle (Step 2). As discussed above, the radiofrequency may be a unique frequency assigned only to the second vehicle,or the radio frequency may be a common frequency that is shared by allthe vehicles. In the former case, the control device 30 determinesparticular information that is transmitted to each vehicle via theunique frequency assigned thereto. In the latter case, the controldevice 30 sends particular information to each of the station radiotransmitters 64, which transmit the information to the driver via radiotransmission over the short distance as defined herein. In addition, theentry processors 34 may also be able to transmit information to thedrivers and vehicles via radio signals or transmissions. As such, thecontrol device can begin sending instructions and other information,such as advertisements, incentives, and the like, before the vehicle haseven entered the enclosure 12.

Pursuant to Step 3, the second vehicle 16 is directed to the firststation 40 and positioned correctly pursuant to Step 4 as describedabove for the first vehicle. Steps 5-7 also follow a similar flow asdescribed above for the first vehicle, whereby at the completion of thefirst car wash station 40, the second vehicle 16 is directed toward thesecond car wash station 50. In one embodiment, the control device 30directs concurrent stop instructions to at least two vehicles along theelongate path. Such action is not part of a normal conveyor car washsystem, which maintains a constant velocity of the vehicles beingwashed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the process can be repeatedcontinuously, whereby the next available vehicles, such as a thirdvehicle 16 and a fourth vehicle 16, can be processed through the system10. The control device is capable of monitoring the progress of eachvehicle and taking corrective action according to predetermined rules,formulas, and/or actions. Accordingly, a plurality of vehicles can beprocessed simultaneously and concurrently, thereby greatly increasingthroughput of the system compared to conventional rollover or “in-bay”car washes. Advantageously, the system 10 avoids the use of conveyorsfor moving the vehicles 16 along the path of travel 20, and therebyproviding a safer and less complex wash system without sacrificingthroughput or quality.

FIG. 5 illustrates the function of the proximity devices 58 that may bepresent along the enclosure 12 or path of travel 20. In particular, theproximity devices 58 may be designed to detect not only the positioningof each vehicle 16 within the enclosure 12 or along the path of travel20, but also the positioning of each vehicle with respect to adjacentvehicles. As shown in FIG. 5, Step 1 includes determining the locationof the first and second vehicle 16, but can also include determining thelocation of any vehicle that is being processed by the system 10. Thelocation of each vehicle 16 can be determined by any number ofconventional devices and methods, including magnetic, laser, ultrasonic,radio frequency, photo eye, contact members, and the like. The locationof each vehicle is preferably determined on approximately the sameposition on each vehicle, such as an edge of the front end 16A of thevehicle 16. In addition, the location of each vehicle also includes theposition of the rear of the vehicle, such as an edge of the rear end16B. As such, the distance X between the rear of one vehicle and thefront of the upstream vehicle can be determined. The frequency fordetermining the location of each vehicle 16 can vary depending on thesystem 10, but in one embodiment the location of each vehicle isdetermined approximately every 0.3 seconds. It should also be noted thatvarious other conventional devices may be employed for determining thelength and/or location of each vehicle.

FIG. 5 also includes a process step for determining whether the distanceX between two adjacent vehicles 16 is greater or equal to XMIN, which isdefined as the minimum distance allowed between the vehicles (Step 2).If the distance X between any two vehicles becomes lower than XMIN,corrective action is sent from the control device 30 to one or more ofthe drivers and vehicles 16 via the main radio transmitter 38, stationradio transmitters 64, and/or audio/visual indicators 56 (Step 3). Suchcorrective action may include one or more warnings and drivingdirections, such as “speed up,” “slow down,” “stop,” “wait,” and“proceed.” The driver can then take corrective steps to restore theminimum distance XMIN. As such, throughput and efficiency are maximizedwithout compromising safety. In addition, the wash process time at eachstation 40, 50, 60, and 70 is kept generally equal for each vehicle 16,thus ensuring a uniform and thorough wash that is pleasing to thecustomer. Accordingly, the system 10 is able to process a plurality ofvehicles 16 simultaneously while maintaining a safe and effectivedistance between the vehicles. Advantageously, the vehicles 16 travelthrough the enclosure 12 under their own power, i.e., the driver of eachvehicle uses the vehicle's own motor and other control systems to guidethe vehicle along the path of travel. As such, the system 10 of thepresent invention avoids the disadvantages of conveyor type car washsystem while providing excellent vehicle throughput and quality in aformat that is easy to understand by the customer.

The present system can also be applied to other types of conveyor orconveyor-like car wash systems that have not been previously described,yet suffer from similar disadvantages. One such carwash system employsguard rails that help guide one or more vehicles along a straight line,but requires the vehicles to be driven under their own power instead ofutilizing a conveyor. Such a carwash system is typically employed byauto auction houses, rental car agencies, and valet services. Thedisadvantage of this type of carwash system is that it requires aconstant, optimum vehicle speed for best washing results. This can bedifficult, as driving a vehicle through a “wall” of water or movingcloth can be intimidating and distracting to the driver, particularly ifother vehicles are known to be near the vehicle, but cannot be seen dueto soap and water blocking the drivers' view.

Advantageously, the present system can help maintain the speed of eachvehicle and proximate location to other vehicles using radiotransmissions as described herein, thereby maximizing the efficiency andquality of the wash process, and reducing the possibility of accident orcollision. In addition, a guard rail carwash system utilizing theteachings of the present invention provides comfort and direction to thedrivers, which allows the customer to enjoy the wash process instead ofmaintaining a high level of concentration driving the vehicle andavoiding other vehicles.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Forexample, the term “car wash” is a generic term that is equivalent to a“vehicle wash” that includes cars, trucks, SUVs, and the like.

1. An automatic car wash system designed to process multiple vehiclessimultaneously, the system comprising: an elongate path extending atleast 20 feet; a plurality of stations spaced along the elongate path,at least one of the plurality of stations including a spray assemblyoperable to direct a pressurized and/or high velocity fluid onto avehicle at the station; a control device operatively connected to theplurality of stations; at least two detectors spaced along the elongatepath and operatively connected to the control device, the at least twodetectors designed to indicate the presence of at least one of themultiple vehicles to the control device; at least one proximity deviceoperatively connected to the control device for detecting a relativedistance between a rear of one of the vehicles and a front of another ofthe vehicles; and a radio transmitter operatively connected to thecontrol device, the radio transmitter operable to transmit informationto the multiple vehicles via radio signals.
 2. An automatic car washsystem according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of stations furtherinclude at least one device selected from the group consisting of awheel washing station, a dryer, a rotating brush, a wax applicator, anda rinsing device.
 3. An automatic car wash system according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the at least two detectors is a detectorselected from the group consisting of pressure switch, contact switch,magnetic, photo eye, laser, and ultrasonic.
 4. An automatic car washsystem according to claim 1, further comprising a visual and/or audiblecommunicator for conveying information to at least one driver of thevehicles.
 5. An automatic car wash system according to claim 1, whereinthe control device is operable to assign a unique radio frequency toeach of the multiple vehicles and direct specific information to eachvehicle via the radio transmitter.
 6. An automatic car wash systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the radio transmitter is operable totransmit information over a plurality of radio frequencies.
 7. Anautomatic car wash system according to claim 1, further comprising aplurality of station radio transmitters spaced along the elongate paththat operate on a common frequency and are arranged to transmitinformation over a distance of no more than about 10 feet, wherein thecontrol device is operable to direct specific information to each of thestation radio transmitters so that the specific information can bedirected to a particular vehicle depending on the location of thevehicle along the path of travel.
 8. An automatic car wash systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the radio transmitter is operable totransmit information selected from the group consisting of instructions,warnings, advertisements, offers, incentives, entertainment, news,music, and combinations thereof.
 9. An automatic car wash systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the control device is operable to controla predetermined throughput of vehicles traveling through the system bydirecting audible and visual driving instructions at the vehicles. 10.An automatic car wash system designed to concurrently process aplurality of vehicles including at least a first vehicle and a secondvehicle, the system comprising: an elongate path that defines a path oftravel for the vehicles traveling along the path under their own power;a first station positioned along the elongate path, the first stationincluding a detector for detecting the presence of the first vehicle,and further including a spray assembly operable to direct pressurizedand/or high velocity fluid against the first vehicle that is in astationary position; a second station positioned downstream of the firststation along the path of travel, the second station including adetector for detecting the presence of the second vehicle, and furtherincluding at least one assembly selected from the group consisting of abrush assembly, a spray assembly, and a dryer assembly; a control deviceoperable to direct instructions to a driver of the first vehicle toproceed from the stationary position at the first station towards thesecond station; at least one proximity device operatively connected tothe control device for detecting the relative distance between a rear ofone of the vehicles and a front of another of the vehicles; and acommunication device operatively connected to the control device forproviding information to a driver of at least one of the vehiclesregarding the relative distance therebetween.
 11. An automatic car washsystem according to claim 10, further comprising a third stationpositioned along the elongate path, the third station including adetector for detecting the presence of a third vehicle, and furtherincluding at least one assembly selected from the group consisting of abrush assembly, a spray assembly, and a dryer assembly.
 12. An automaticcar wash system according to claim 10, further comprising a fourthstation positioned along the elongate path, the fourth station includinga detector for detecting the presence of a fourth vehicle, and furtherincluding at least one assembly selected from the group consisting of abrush assembly, a spray assembly, and a dryer assembly.
 13. An automaticcar wash system according to claim 10, wherein the control device isoperable to direct concurrent stop instructions to at least two vehiclesalong the elongate path.
 14. An automatic car wash system according toclaim 10, further comprising a multiple-channel entrance designed todirect vehicles from at least two feed channels into a common entrancechannel.
 15. An automatic car wash system according to claim 10, whereinat least one of the at least two detectors is a detector selected fromthe group consisting of pressure switch, contact switch, magnetic, photoeye, laser, and ultrasonic.
 16. An automatic car wash system accordingto claim 10, wherein at least one of the stations includes a rotatingbrush, and wherein the system is selectable to engage the rotating brushagainst a vehicle.
 17. An automatic car wash system designed to processmultiple vehicles simultaneously, the system comprising: an elongatepath extending at least 20 feet; a plurality of stations spaced alongthe elongate path, at least one of the plurality of stations including aspray assembly operable to direct a pressurized and/or high velocityfluid onto a vehicle at the station; a control device operativelyconnected to the plurality of stations; at least two detectors spacedalong the elongate path and operatively connected to the control device,the at least two detectors designed to indicate the presence of at leastone of the multiple vehicles to the control device; at least oneproximity device operatively connected to the control device fordetecting a relative distance between multiple vehicles; and a radiotransmitter operatively connected to the control device, the radiotransmitter operable to transmit information to the multiple vehiclesvia radio signals, wherein the control device is operable to assign aunique radio frequency to each of the multiple vehicles and directdifferent information to each vehicle via the radio transmitter.
 18. Anautomatic car wash system according to claim 17, wherein the pluralityof stations further include at least one device selected from the groupconsisting of a wheel washing station, a dryer, a rotating brush, a waxapplicator, and a rinsing device.
 19. An automatic car wash systemaccording to claim 17, wherein at least one of the at least twodetectors is a detector selected from the group consisting of pressureswitch, contact switch, magnetic, photo eye, laser, and ultrasonic. 20.An automatic car wash system according to claim 17, further comprising avisual and/or audible communicator for conveying information to at leastone driver of the vehicles.
 21. An automatic car wash system accordingto claim 17, wherein the radio transmitter is operable to transmitinformation over a plurality of radio frequencies.
 22. An automatic carwash system according to claim 17, wherein the radio transmitter isoperable to transmit information selected from the group consisting ofinstructions, warnings, advertisements, offers, incentives,entertainment, news, music, and combinations thereof.
 23. An automaticcar wash system according to claim 17, wherein the control device isoperable to control a predetermined throughput of vehicles travelingthrough the system by directing audible and visual driving instructionsat the vehicles.
 24. An automatic car wash system designed to processmultiple vehicles simultaneously, the system comprising: an elongatepath extending at least 20 feet; a plurality of stations spaced alongthe elongate path, at least one of the plurality of stations including aspray assembly operable to direct a pressurized and/or high velocityfluid onto a vehicle at the station; a control device operativelyconnected to the plurality of stations; at least two detectors spacedalong the elongate path and operatively connected to the control device,the at least two detectors designed to indicate the presence of at leastone of the multiple vehicles to the control device; at least oneproximity device operatively connected to the control device fordetecting a relative distance between multiple vehicles; and a pluralityof radio transmitters spaced along the elongate path that operate on acommon frequency and arranged to transmit information over a distance ofno more than about 10 feet to the multiple vehicles via radio signals,wherein the control device is operable to direct specific information toeach of the radio transmitters so that the specific information can bedirected to a particular vehicle depending on the location of thevehicle along the path of travel.
 25. An automatic car wash systemaccording to claim 24, wherein the plurality of stations further includeat least one device selected from the group consisting of a wheelwashing station, a dryer, a rotating brush, a wax applicator, and arinsing device.
 26. An automatic car wash system according to claim 24,wherein at least one of the at least two detectors is a detectorselected from the group consisting of pressure switch, contact switch,magnetic, photo eye, laser, and ultrasonic.
 27. An automatic car washsystem according to claim 24, further comprising a visual and/or audiblecommunicator for conveying information to at least one driver of thevehicles.
 28. An automatic car wash system according to claim 24,wherein the radio transmitters are operable to transmit informationselected from the group consisting of instructions, warnings,advertisements, offers, incentives, entertainment, news, music, andcombinations thereof.
 29. An automatic car wash system according toclaim 24, wherein the control device is operable to control apredetermined throughput of vehicles traveling through the system bydirecting audible and visual driving instructions at the vehicles.